Birding with Bintel

Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor), South Bruny Island. Photo: JJ Harrison, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.   There's a version of birding that runs almost entirely on being in the right place by accident. A rare bird turns up at a local wetland, someone spots it, word gets around, and thirty people see it over the next few days. That happens, and it's a perfectly good way to see unusual species. But the birders who find unusual birds first, without being told where to look, have generally developed habits that shift the odds in their favour. Most of those habits are simple enough to start practising immediately. Sites matter more than effort The single biggest factor in finding interesting birds is being in places that produce interesting birds. This sounds circular, but there's a real principle underneath it: productive sites are productive for reasons, and understanding those reasons lets you evaluate new sites and find your own rather than relying on lists other people have put together. Coastal headlands concentrate migrating passerines because birds crossing open water land at the first vegetation they reach. Sewage treatment wetlands have shallow open margins and dense cover that attract a huge range of waterbirds, including vagrant waders that turn up at well-watched sites most years. Fishing harbours concentrate gulls, terns, and the occasional pelagic species that has wandered inshore. These aren't random patterns. Once you understand what a productive site has and why, you start seeing that same logic everywhere. Pay attention to the weather that just happened Strong north-westerly winds in autumn can push migratory passerines south and east and deposit them at coastal sites where they don't normally occur. A weakening tropical system tracking overland can displace seabirds hundreds of kilometres from the coast and leave them sitting on reservoirs and farm dams. A dry spell concentrates waterbirds at the wetlands that still have water, sometimes in numbers and diversity that a normal season wouldn't produce. The practical habit is checking eBird and state alert networks in the day or two after a significant weather event. Unusual birds get picked up quickly in those conditions, and a fresh record from a specific location is real, actionable information if conditions haven't changed much since. Rare vagrant birds don't tend to announce themselves. Most of them are sitting quietly in the middle of a flock of common birds, doing nothing unusual, waiting for you to actually notice them. Slow down more than feels comfortable Covering ground feels productive. It often isn't, at least not for finding unusual species. A rare bird sitting at the edge of a flock of stints is not going to fly out and present itself. You have to scan past it. That means working through sections of habitat slowly and deliberately, looking at each bird rather than scanning for movement. At a high-tide shorebird roost with four hundred Red-necked Stints packed onto a sandbar, a Pectoral Sandpiper is just in there with them. You won't find it on a sweep. You need to check body size relative to adjacent birds, bill shape, leg colour, each individual, which takes longer than most people give it. The same applies in woodland. Twenty minutes under a large flowering tree, actually looking at every bird in the canopy, produces more sightings than walking five hundred metres of trail in the same time. Most good birders have learned this the hard way. Know what's plausible before you arrive Experienced observers find unusual birds more consistently partly because they've thought through the possibilities in advance. They have a mental list of species that are plausible given the season, the site, and recent conditions, and they're scanning with that in mind. When something matches, they notice immediately rather than puzzling over a bird they've already walked away from. This doesn't mean memorising every field guide plate before every trip. It means spending five minutes the night before thinking about what's likely and what deserves extra attention. For March, that thinking includes departing shorebirds in breeding plumage, the Swift Parrot window on the mainland, possible vagrant passerines at coastal sites after north-westerly weather, and interesting waterbirds anywhere there's been recent rain. Not a long list, and it changes what you see. Use your optics properly There's a real gap between owning good binoculars and using them in a way that changes what you identify. The most useful habit is scanning slowly and deliberately, section by section, rather than swinging the binoculars around looking for something to catch your eye. Movement will catch your eye fine. The bird sitting still in the vegetation at the edge of the flock will not. At distance, a spotting scope is what makes difficult identifications possible rather than speculative. The features that separate closely related shorebirds from each other, bill curvature, primary projection, precise plumage detail, often can't be resolved with binoculars at a hundred and fifty metres. If you spend serious time at estuaries or open wetlands, a scope on a stable tripod is not a luxury addition. It's the piece of kit that determines what you can actually do. Submit your records, including the uncertain ones Australian birding runs on shared data, and the community is collaborative in a way that rewards contributing. A rarity documented with rough notes and an imperfect phone photo, submitted with honest uncertainty about the ID, helps other observers find the bird and adds to the picture of where species occur and when. If you're not certain of an identification, write up what you observed as carefully as you can, include whatever photos you have, and submit it. A thoughtfully documented uncertain record is far more useful than a sighting that stays in your notebook.

I began my Fijian birding adventure with a three-hour bus ride from Nadi to Pacific Harbour. Through the dusty windows I spotted Fiji Woodswallow weaving among coconut palms, Barking Imperial Pigeon perched in roadside guava, Red-vented Bulbul flitting through scrub and both Common and Jungle Mynas squabbling over passing insects. By the time we reached Pacific Harbour my notebook was already spilling over with names. Eager for shorebird action beyond the hotel grounds I slipped small tips to anyone who could unlock the gate to a more remote beach. I had visions of Booby’s diving, Noddys circling overhead, Terns plunging for fish and herons stalking the shallows. Instead a solitary reef heron greeted me, standing on one leg like a patient sentry. It regarded me coolly as I crouched behind driftwood and snapped its portrait anyway. Next I ventured upriver through the hotel’s tangled waterway system, stepping carefully over rickety wooden bridges and scanning the treetops for Collared Lory’s or other parrots. While balancing on a small jetty I caught sight of a tiny kingfisher darting from branch to branch, the Pacific Kingfisher’s cobalt back gleaming in the morning sun. Just then I heard a high-pitched screech cut through the still air. I followed the sound through a tangle of vines until I stumbled into a clearing and froze. A flock of masked shining parrots burst into view. Their faces were as dark as midnight, their wings a glossy green and their chests a vivid sunflower yellow that glowed against the foliage. Piercing red eyes regarded me as they chattered overhead and I felt like I had won the birding lottery. The following day was perfect for shark diving. Rain pounded the deck but beneath the waves everything was sunlit and calm. Swimming alongside graceful reef sharks, Bull sharks and the occasional carpet shark, gave me a front-row seat to Fiji’s marine life and it turned out to be the ideal rainy-day escape. The next day I chartered a boat to visit local reefs heading toward Bird Island. We kept a respectful distance so the shorebirds stayed undisturbed. It was a binocular-only outing since the ocean was choppy and rain threatened all day. We saw Noddy’s and Terns plunging for fish but the elusive Booby’s stayed hidden. We even squeezed in a quick snorkel among the fringing coral before heading back to shore. After that boat cruise I explored the hotel’s river system again. I crossed freshly mown fields where children played football, then snuck closer to catch another flash of blue. Vanikoro Flycatcher flitted among ferns, a Spotted Dove cooed softly from a low branch and an imperial barking pigeon strutted across a sunlit log, yes it really does bark. A few western wattled honeyeaters buzzed through the canopy, their brush-like beaks probing blossoms. The next day I rafted down the Upper Navua River with Moses, a guide who has navigated those rapids for twenty-eight years and can spot birds from a mile away. Between thunderous rapids we heard duetting giant honeyeaters calling from the canopy, saw Fiji goshawk soaring overhead and counted Pacific reef herons stalking the shallows. Masked shining parrots flew past again, Pacific black ducks drifted on calm pools and even a lone mallard paddled by. White-rumped swiftlets skimmed the surface and Pacific swallows lined up on fallen branches. All day the barking imperial pigeons made themselves heard in the trees. And yes I only fell off the raft once, which I like to think added to the drama. Sunburnt, mosquito-bitten and grinning ear to ear I returned with sandy shoes, blossom-stained gear and enough feathered memories to last a lifetime. Extreme birding in Fiji was part adventure, part slapstick and all heart. Next time I will remember to pack extra socks.

Amanda - Avian Adventures Australia From coastal wetlands to tropical gardens, rich birdlife met world-class photography conditions Our latest photography adventure took us from the lush tropics of Cairns to the open landscapes of Rockhampton, stopping at some of Queensland’s most productive and accessible birding locations. Each destination offered something different for the camera, from raptors soaring overhead to jewel-toned nectar feeders darting through blossoms. Locations Visited Cairns Esplanade A globally recognised shorebird site, this was the perfect starting point. The changing tides drew in waders, terns, and sunbirds, all within close range of footpaths. Soft morning light and wet reflections made this an ideal place to test exposure balancing and quick focusing. Centenary Lakes and Cairns Botanic Gardens Dense tropical foliage, still lakes, and flowering corridors provided a dynamic setting for fast-moving birds. Lighting was dappled and challenging, but the variety of species made it worth the effort. This is a fantastic place to work on manual exposure in changing conditions. Cattana Wetlands A quiet oasis of boardwalks and native vegetation north of Cairns. This location rewarded those who slowed down and watched carefully. Waterbirds, insect hunters, and even sunbathing reptiles made appearances, often framed by soft reflections and open skies. Atherton Tablelands Higher altitude brought a welcome drop in temperature and a shift in species. Open paddocks, misty rainforest edges, and long vistas allowed for landscape-friendly compositions, perfect for raptor spotting and wide-angle environmental shots. Townsville Botanic Gardens Well-landscaped and easy to navigate, this garden allowed for low ISO shooting in open shade. Flowering trees attracted sunbirds and lorikeets, while the open lawns made for excellent thick-knee photography in the evening. Mackay Botanic Gardens A peaceful regional stop with rewilded sections and excellent boardwalk access. Starlings, sunbirds, and bush thick-knees were the highlights here, with calm morning conditions and great light for backlit shots. Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo This location offered both wild and captive subjects, with a surprising number of urban-adapted birds blending into the manicured gardens. The resident Bush Thick-knees provided excellent opportunities for low-light, full-body portraits. Bonus Stop: Rockhampton Zoo Located within the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is a hidden gem, and best of all, entry is completely free. The zoo is seamlessly connected to the gardens, meaning visitors can wander between exotic plantings and native animals without ever leaving the park. This council-run zoo focuses on conservation and education, housing over 60 species of animals. For photographers, it offers an opportunity to practice portrait techniques, test long lenses in low-light enclosures, and photograph both native and exotic subjects at close range. The zoo is home to Tasmanian Devils, Koalas, Wombats, and a vibrant aviary full of parrots and finches. Chimpanzees are a major attraction, with one of the most successful breeding groups in regional Australia. Many enclosures are designed to be barrier-free or use low fencing, giving photographers cleaner sightlines for natural-looking shots. It is one of the few free zoos in the country where you can photograph both native species and exotic animals in a lush, botanic setting. Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) Identification Male: Bright yellow underparts with a glossy blue-black head, throat, and upper chest. Female: Duller olive-brown upperparts with yellow underparts and a white throat. Size: Approximately 12 cm in length. Range and Habitat Found across northern Australia, including coastal Queensland, the Northern Territory, and parts of the Kimberley. They inhabit mangroves, monsoon forests, and gardens, often near flowering plants. Behaviour Sahul Sunbirds are active and agile, feeding on nectar and insects. They are often seen hovering near flowers or perching briefly before darting to the next bloom. Males are territorial and may display aggressive behaviour to defend feeding areas. Photography Tips Approach: Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing their feeding. Camera Settings: Shutter Speed: 1/3200 sec or faster Aperture: f/5.6 to f/6.3 ISO: 800 to 1600 Timing: Early morning or late afternoon. Behavioural Observation: Look for hover pauses before landing. Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksia) Identification Male: Glossy black plumage with bright red panels in the tail. Female: Duller black with yellow spots on the head, neck, and wings; orange-yellow barring on the breast and tail. Size: Approximately 55–60 cm in length; wingspan up to 110 cm. Weight: Males 670–900g; females 615–920g. Range and Habitat Distributed across northern, western, and eastern Australia, inhabiting eucalyptus forests, woodlands, grasslands, and riparian zones. Behaviour Highly social, often in pairs or flocks. Loud, distinctive calls. Feed on seeds, flowers, nectar, and occasionally insects. Often found in post-fire landscapes. Photography Tips Approach: Keep at least 30m distance to avoid disturbance. Camera Settings: Shutter Speed: 1/2000 to 1/3200 sec Aperture: f/7.1 to f/9 ISO: 400 to 800 Timing: Early morning or late afternoon. Behavioural Observation: Anticipate feeding and flight patterns. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Identification Dark brown upperparts with white underparts and head. Distinctive dark eye stripe. Size: 55–58 cm in length; wingspan up to 180 cm. Range and Habitat Common near Australian coasts, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Frequently nest on power poles and towers. Behaviour Expert fish hunters. Dive feet-first into water. Often carry fish headfirst during flight. Photography Tips Approach: Use telephoto lens to maintain distance. Camera Settings: Shutter Speed: 1/2500 to 1/3200 sec Aperture: f/7.1 to f/8 ISO: 400 to 1000 Timing: Early morning for best action. Behavioural Observation: Look for hovering before dives. Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) Identification Dark brown to black plumage with wedge-shaped tail. Fully feathered legs. Size: 85–106 cm in length; wingspan up to 2.5 m. Range and Habitat Widespread across Australia and Tasmania. Found in open country, mountain ranges, and roadsides. Behaviour Soar on thermals for hours. Often seen feeding on roadkill or perched in trees. Juveniles are lighter brown than adults. Photography Tips Approach: Stay distant to avoid stress. Camera Settings: Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec Aperture: f/7.1 to f/9 ISO: 400 to 800 Timing: Midday when thermals are strongest. Behavioural Observation: Look for circling motion to track flight. Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica) Identification Glossy black plumage with green sheen. Bright red eyes and forked tail. Size: Approximately 20 cm. Range and Habitat Occurs in northern Queensland between Mackay and Cape York. Lives in tropical forests and woodlands. Behaviour Social birds seen in flocks. Feed on fruit and insects. Known for loud, chattering calls. Photography Tips Approach: Use natural cover to avoid spooking. Camera Settings: Shutter Speed: 1/1600 to 1/2500 sec Aperture: f/5.6 to f/6.3 ISO: 800 to 1600 under canopy Timing: Early or late in the day for best light. Behavioural Observation: Anticipate movement in flocks. Bush Thick-knee (Burhinus grallarius) Identification Grey-brown plumage with dark streaks. Large yellow eyes and long legs. Size: ~55 cm long; wingspan ~1 metre. Range and Habitat Common across most of mainland Australia. Found in grasslands, bushland, parks, and urban spaces. Behaviour Nocturnal and highly camouflaged. Motionless during day, active at dusk. Often roost in pairs in urban areas. Photography Tips Approach: Use red/diffused light at night. Camera Settings: Shutter Speed: 1/400 sec at dusk Aperture: f/2.8 to f/4 ISO: 3200 to 6400 Timing: Evening or night for best activity. Behavioural Observation: Shoot at eye level for impact. Summary From the Esplanade in Cairns to the gardens of Rockhampton, this tour highlighted just how varied and rewarding bird photography in Queensland can be. Photographing Sahul Sunbirds tested our speed and precision as they darted through tangled vegetation. Learning to work with fast-moving birds in unpredictable light became a skill we refined daily. Large raptors gave us the opportunity to slow down and observe flight patterns, adjust to their rhythms, and anticipate movement before even lifting the camera. Metallic Starlings reminded us how much light and angle can affect colour and contrast, while the Bush Thick-knee encouraged patience, low-light control, and a more thoughtful approach to framing and distance. This wasn’t just about adding species to a list. It was about building confidence, responding to changing field conditions, and learning how to capture birds with clarity, respect, and intent. Whether photographing in full sun or fading light, Queensland gave us a reason to stay focused and keep shooting. We returned with stronger skills, deeper awareness, and a renewed respect for the birds we share these landscapes with. Extra Photography Tips Use manual exposure or auto ISO with a locked shutter/aperture for consistent results when the bird flies across different backgrounds. Underexpose by -0.3 to -1.0 EV in bright conditions to preserve feather detail, especially on pale or white birds. Shoot at eye level or slightly below to avoid harsh angles and keep the wings in a natural line.

By Amanda Vallance Each year, Australia becomes a seasonal home to millions of migratory birds. Some travel from the frozen tundras of Siberia and Alaska. Others journey shorter distances within Australia itself, following the pulse of rain, insects, and flowering seasons. Whether crossing oceans or deserts, these birds navigate through instinct, the stars, magnetic fields, and even their sense of smell. Their journeys are remarkable feats of endurance and precision. They are completed without maps, without technology, and often against extreme odds. Here are some of the incredible travellers that grace our skies and shores.   Ruddy Turnstone – The Rock Flipper with a Passport The Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) is a lively shorebird easily recognised by its patterned plumage and stocky build. As its name suggests, it uses its bill to flip over stones and debris to find insects and small crustaceans. Ruddy Turnstones breed in the Arctic and migrate to Australia for the southern summer, making stops along coastal mudflats and reefs from Queensland to Tasmania. Despite their sturdy look, Ruddy Turnstones are powerful fliers. Some individuals travel over 27,000 kilometres each year, crossing continents and oceans with pinpoint accuracy.   Bar-tailed Godwit – The Endurance Champion The Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) holds the world record for the longest known non-stop flight of any bird. Tagged individuals have flown from Alaska to Australia, a distance of over 11,000 kilometres, without resting. Godwits use a combination of celestial navigation, magnetic field detection, and even olfactory cues to complete their journey. In Australia, they arrive along northern and eastern coastlines, often in large flocks. Their slender, slightly upturned bills are perfect for probing deep into the sand in search of worms and molluscs. Watching a Bar-tailed Godwit resting on a mudflat, it is hard not to be amazed at the invisible map it carries within its mind.   Curlew Sandpiper – The Elegant Explorer in Trouble The Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) breeds in the high Arctic tundra and migrates to estuarine wetlands across Australia. They are slender shorebirds with slightly curved bills and soft grey to brick-red plumage depending on the season. Sadly, Curlew Sandpipers have declined sharply due to the loss of critical wetlands in Asia. They are now listed as Critically Endangered in Australia. Their story is a reminder of how vulnerable migratory species are to habitat loss at any point along their flyway. Each spring, Curlew Sandpipers travel more than 10,000 kilometres to reach Australian shores, joining flocks of other waders in places like Moreton Bay and Roebuck Bay.   Welcome Swallow – Our Familiar Seasonal Traveller The Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) is a common sight across much of Australia, easily identified by its forked tail and rapid, graceful flight. While some populations remain year-round, others, particularly in southern Australia and Tasmania, are partial migrants. In colder months, Welcome Swallows often move north to warmer regions where insects remain abundant. Their short seasonal migrations within Australia reflect the adaptability and resilience that have allowed them to flourish across diverse environments. Whether nesting in sheds, under bridges, or in coastal cliffs, Welcome Swallows are a joyful symbol of spring’s arrival for many Australians.   Eastern Yellow Wagtail – The Accidental Tourist Every now and then, a bird ends up somewhere it was never meant to be. The Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis) usually migrates from the Russian Far East and Alaska to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. However, occasional individuals find themselves far south of their typical range. A recent sighting in Adelaide excited local birders, as these vagrants are rarely recorded so far from their usual destinations. Vagrancy can be caused by strong winds, storms, disorientation, or errors by inexperienced young birds. Each accidental arrival tells a fascinating story of the unpredictable nature of migration.   Rainbow Bee-eater – Australia’s Home-Grown Migrant Not all bird migration involves crossing oceans. The dazzling Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) is a migratory bird that travels within Australia and sometimes into Papua New Guinea. These stunning birds breed across southern and inland Australia during spring and summer. As the weather cools, they move north to warmer areas where flying insects remain plentiful. Their aerial acrobatics and brilliant green, blue, and gold feathers make them a favourite among birdwatchers. Rainbow Bee-eaters remind us that migration is not just an international affair. It also happens on a grand scale within our own country.   Observing Migration Respectfully Migratory birds often arrive exhausted and in urgent need of food and rest. Disturbing them can have serious consequences, especially for species already under stress. Using a spotting scope allows birders to enjoy incredible views without approaching too closely. Similarly, a telephoto lens of 300mm or more enables photographers to capture beautiful images from a respectful distance. By keeping our distance and observing quietly, we help ensure these remarkable travellers can recover and complete their journeys safely.   Why Migration Matters Australia sits within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, one of the world's most important bird migration routes. Over 50 million birds use this corridor each year, connecting Australia with breeding grounds across Russia, China, and Alaska. The pressures faced by migratory birds are increasing. Wetland destruction, climate change, and habitat fragmentation threaten their survival. Even birds that migrate within Australia, like the Rainbow Bee-eater and Welcome Swallow, rely on healthy, connected landscapes. Every time we see a Ruddy Turnstone flipping seaweed, a Bar-tailed Godwit probing the shore, or a Curlew Sandpiper darting across the mudflats, we witness a living story that stretches across the globe. Their journeys remind us that nature does not recognise borders. Migration is a story of endurance, instinct, and wonder, played out every year above our heads and along our shores.   Where to see Migratory Birds Australia has many globally significant sites for viewing migratory birds, particularly those travelling along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. These locations are rich in biodiversity and are often RAMSAR-listed wetlands, meaning they are internationally recognised for their importance to migratory waterbirds. Here are some of the best places in Australia to see migratory birds, especially shorebirds and seabirds:   1. Roebuck Bay, Western Australia (near Broome) Species: Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Red-necked Stint, Curlew Sandpiper Why it's special: One of the most important shorebird stopover sites in the Southern Hemisphere Best time: September to April Access: Broome Bird Observatory offers guided tours and hide access   2. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Species: Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Little Curlew, Oriental Pratincole Why it's special: Massive seasonal wetlands attracting both local and international migrants Best time: Late dry season into the wet season (August to December) Access: Guided birding tours or independent driving routes   3. Hunter Estuary, New South Wales Species: Eastern Curlew, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Latham’s Snipe Why it's special: One of the few remaining extensive estuarine wetlands in southeast Australia Best time: October to March Access: Ash Island and Stockton Sandspit are hotspots   4. Western Port Bay, Victoria Species: Red Knot, Red-necked Stint, Pacific Golden Plover Why it's special: A key Victorian stopover for trans-equatorial migrants Best time: November to March Access: Visit areas like French Island or the Ramsar sites around Tooradin   5. Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, South Australia Species: Grey Plover, Red-necked Stint, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling Why it's special: Critical for migratory shorebirds and also excellent for photography Best time: October to March Access: Thompson Beach, St Kilda, and Port Prime are popular access points   6. Corner Inlet, Victoria (near Wilsons Promontory) Species: Eastern Curlew, Curlew Sandpiper, Common Greenshank Why it's special: One of the most intact tidal wetland systems in southern Australia Best time: Late spring to early autumn Access: Some areas require permits, but guided trips are available   7. Moreton Bay, Queensland Species: Terek Sandpiper, Lesser Sand Plover, Eastern Curlew Why it's special: RAMSAR-listed and close to Brisbane, making it very accessible Best time: Summer months Access: Wynnum, Manly, and Nudgee Beach offer great views at low tide   8. Lake Wollumboola, New South Wales Species: Latham’s Snipe, Greenshank, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Why it's special: Critical for freshwater shorebird migrants and some local rarities Best time: Summer months Access: Easily viewable from the walking trails around the lake

Hi, I’m Rob—a birdwatcher and hobbyist videographer. I also run a birdwatching group that meets every month in various locations around Brisbane. Browsing the latest birdwatching and photography gear is one of my favourite pastimes. Although, browsing often does turns into buying; much to the detriment of previous backpack that, quite literally, burst at the seams from me trying to cram too much into it. (in hindsight a spotting scope, sound and video equipment was a bit much). The two old-reliable items I always carry with me outdoors are a pair of Swarovski EL 10x42 binoculars and a Nikon P950 bridge camera. Bintel have been my go-to gear store for almost ten years. It has been incredibly helpful working with their Sydney team to source hard-to-find equipment from outside of Australia, including the latest tool in my arsenal, the Zeiss DTI 6/20 Thermal Monocular. The Zeiss DTI 6/20 has become invaluable in my recent pursuit of one of the most overlooked facets of Birdwatching, Nighttime Birdwatching! There’s 24 hours in a day, after all, and what a waste that so much of it goes un-used for birding. My latest video takes a dive into night birdwatching, showcasing how to use a thermal scope, night vision binoculars, and spotlighting techniques to find birds and other wildlife after dark. It was such a fun project to work on, and I’d love for you guys to have a look at it above. If you’re after even more tips or information on Birding, I’ve got a YouTube channel called Bird Walkz, where I share some tips and tricks for bird identification, as well as highlighting some of our hobbies’ best birdwatching spots Australia-wide.

There’s a special kind of magic in the air before sunrise, especially in the tropics. The humidity clings to your skin, the world is still asleep, and there’s a quiet excitement in knowing that the day ahead holds the potential for incredible wildlife encounters. Last year, during Birdweek in Cairns, I had the opportunity to join a sunrise river cruise along the Daintree River, a place renowned for its rich birdlife and prehistoric beauty. Of course, the catch was a painfully early start- 4 AM to be precise - to make the journey from Cairns in time. The Importance of a Good Pair of Binoculars. My travel companion for the morning was a fellow birder from Toowoomba, and together we navigated the long, winding road north. The drive itself turned out to be an adventure. Roadworks slowed us down, and the hire car we’d ended up with had what I can only describe as the dimmest headlights Known to mankind—which made dodging potholes in the pitch black particularly interesting. But as all birders know, the best birds are often found at the most unreasonable hours, so we pushed on. We arrived at the boat ramp with just enough time to stretch our legs and take in the pre-dawn symphony. Across the river, silhouetted against the faint glow of the approaching sunrise, we spotted what we estimated to be about 15 Royal Spoonbills nesting in the treetops—a spectacular sight before the cruise had even begun. The Cairns Birders Group: Just a group of people who share common interests and meet up to enjoy it.  As we waited for the boats to be prepared, I did what any birder does  - I adjusted my binoculars and made sure they were ready. The truth is, a good pair of binoculars can make or break a birding trip. If you've ever tried to track a darting kingfisher or pick out the details of a bird perched deep in the mangroves with foggy, dim, or heavy binoculars, you'll know the struggle. The Upper Daintree River  The Daintree is full of secretive birds— kingfishers that zip past in a flash of blue, tiny sunbirds that disappear into dense foliage, and herons camouflaged so well they might as well be part of the scenery. You need something clear, crisp, and lightweight so you're not fumbling when that once-in-a-lifetime sighting appears. The Great-billed Heron (Ardea sumatrana) stands out with its imposing size and unique long bill, a rare sight in Australia's coastal wetlands. I watched as some birders on the dock struggled with shaky, out-of-focus views, and it reminded me just how crucial it is to invest in something that works for you. There’s nothing worse than spotting a rare bird, lifting your binoculars, and realising you can't actually see it properly. Setting Off on the River Our tour was with Daintree River Tours, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. They're knowledgeable, friendly, and best of all, they understand birders—no rush, no_ unnecessary chatter, just pure wildlife immersion. Murray Hunt – Daintree Boatman  There were enough keen birders to fill two boats, and as we pushed off from the dock right on sunrise, the first rays of light kissed the water, turning it into a shimmering path of gold. The air was thick with the calls of unseen birds— honey-eaters chattering in the trees, herons croaking from the shallows, and the occasional eerie, distant cry of aPapuan Frogmouth. We drifted along the river, eyes scanning the overhanging branches, mangrove roots, and quiet backwaters. The sightings came thick and fast—egrets,herons, flycatchers, honeyeaters, and even a glimpse of a Great-billed Heron, which sent the boat into a silent but frenzied whisper of excitement. Between the two boats, we tallied over 50 species in just two hours. The Bird of the Day- The Azure Kingfisher But there was one bird | had my heart set on. The Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus). Small, electric blue, and stunningly vibrant, this species has an almost otherworldly glow. It’s the kind of bird that, when you finally spot it, makes you hold your breath as if breathing too loudly might scare it away. Then—there it was. Perched low on a branch, just above the water, its deep blue and fiery orange plumage burned against the soft greens of the mangroves. It sat completely still, head cocked, calculating its next dive. I barely breathed as I lifted my camera, adjusting settings as quickly but carefully as I could. Click. Click. Click. The Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus) is a small but bold predator, easily identified by its bright blue plumage and sharp, hunting technique. For a few seconds, the kingfisher was mine. And then—gone. A flash of blue and a small  splash were all that remained as it dived into the river and disappeared. I exhaled, heart racing, and checked my camera. I had it. A few crisp, beautiful shots of one of the most striking birds in Australia. A Morning to Remember. As we continued along the river, I found just sitting back and soaking in the moment. The gentle hum oft he boat, the occasional ripple in the water, the distant croak of a heron—it was one of those mornings that reminds you why you fell in love with birding in the first place. By the time we returned to shore, the Sun was fully up, the air buzzing with cicadas, and my stomach reminding me that I had absolutely skipped breakfast. But none of that mattered. Because that morning, in the heart of the Daintree, I had come face-to-face with one of the most beautiful birds I've ever seen. And I wouldn't trade that for anything. Want to spot the Azure Kingfisher? While it's a bit out of season, these vibrant birds can still be found across Australia. Whether you're in Queensland, New South Wales, or even Victoria, they’re still active and can be spotted in the right habitats. Look for them perched near water or darting across the surface, and listen for their sharp "tseet!" call. Here’s what to look out for and where to find them: Azure KingfisherScientific Name: Ceyx azureusFamily: AlcedinidaeConservation Status (AUS): Least Concern AppearanceSize: ~17–19 cm longWeight: Around 30 gramsUpperparts: Bright azure-blue to purplish-blue with a glossy sheenUnderparts: Deep rufous-orange from chin to ventBill: Long, straight, blackFeet: Small and red-orangeFacial Markings: A distinct white spot in front of the eye Sex DifferencesMales and females appear almost identical; minor color variations may occur but are not reliably used to differentiate sexes. BreedingSeason: August–February (Southern Australia), Wet season (Northern Australia)Nest: Burrow dug into vertical riverbanks or creek banks (up to 1 metre long)Clutch Size: 4–7 white eggsIncubation & Nestling Period: Incubated by both parents; fledging occurs in 3–4 weeks DietPrimary Foods: Small fish, freshwater crustaceans, aquatic insects, tadpolesHunting Method: Hunts from a perch above water, diving head-first to capture prey, then returning to the perch to swallow prey whole Habitat & RangeHabitat: Shaded freshwater streams, rivers, creeks, billabongs, wetlands, and mangrovesDistribution: Eastern and Northern Australia (Queensland, Northern Territory, NSW, Tasmania), and Southern Papua New Guinea Top Hotspots for Azure Kingfisher in AustraliaQueensland: Daintree River, Cattana Wetlands, Lake Eacham & Lake BarrineNorthern Territory: Yellow Water Billabong (Kakadu), Fogg Dam Conservation ReserveNew South Wales: Lane Cove National Park, Warriewood Wetlands, Royal National ParkTasmania: Huon Valley, Mount Field National ParkVictoria: Wilson Reserve, Banyule Flats Reserve, Griffith Park How to Spot OneBest seen early morning or late afternoonLook for a quick, low flight over water or a small bird perched just above the surfaceListen for a sharp "tseet!" call, often the first sign that one is nearby Happy birding, and remember, patience is key when looking for this little guy!